Latching clamp arm for electrosurgical shears

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, and a latch assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw pivotably coupled with the first jaw, a knife, and an electrode assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing associated with the first jaw, and an arm associated with the second jaw. The arm can pivot the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The latch assembly can transition between an unlatched configuration and a latched configuration. The latch assembly can prevent the arm from pivoting the second jaw from the closed position toward the open position in the latched configuration. The latch assembly can allow the arm to pivot the second jaw from the closed position toward the open position in the unlatched configuration.

BACKGROUND

A variety of surgical instruments include one or more elements thattransmit RF energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue).Some such instruments comprise a pair of jaws that open and close ontissue, with conductive tissue contact surfaces that are operable toweld tissue clamped between the jaws. In open surgical settings, somesuch instruments may be in the form of forceps having a scissor grip.

In addition to having RF energy transmission elements, some surgicalinstruments also include a translating tissue cutting element. Anexample of such a device is the ENSEAL® Tissue Sealing Device by EthiconEndo-Surgery, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio. Further examples of suchdevices and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,176entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue,”issued Dec. 31, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,201 entitled “ElectrosurgicalInstrument and Method of Use,” issued Sep. 26, 2006, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,409,entitled “Electrosurgical Working End for Controlled Energy Delivery,”issued Oct. 24, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,146 entitled “ElectrosurgicalProbe and Method of Use,” issued Jan. 30, 2007, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,253, entitled“Electrosurgical Jaw Structure for Controlled Energy Delivery,” issuedMar. 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,189,233, entitled “Electrosurgical Instrument,”issued Mar. 13, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,951, entitled “Surgical SealingSurfaces and Methods of Use,” issued May 22, 2007, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,849,entitled “Polymer Compositions Exhibiting a PTC Property and Methods ofFabrication,” issued Dec. 18, 2007, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,709, entitled“Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use,” issued Dec. 25, 2007,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat.No. 7,354,440, entitled “Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use,”issued Apr. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,209, entitled “ElectrosurgicalInstrument,” issued Jun. 3, 2008, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

Additional examples of electrosurgical cutting instruments and relatedconcepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,939,974, entitled “SurgicalInstrument Comprising First and Second Drive Systems Actuatable by aCommon Trigger Mechanism,” issued Jan. 27, 2015, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,161,803, entitled“Motor Driven Electrosurgical Device with Mechanical and ElectricalFeedback,” issued Oct. 20, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,877,720, entitled “Control Featuresfor Articulating Surgical Device,” issued Jan. 30, 2018, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,402,682,entitled “Articulation Joint Features for Articulating Surgical Device,”issued Aug. 2, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,089,327, entitled “Surgical Instrumentwith Multi-Phase Trigger Bias,” issued Jul. 28, 2015, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,545,253,entitled “Surgical Instrument with Contained Dual Helix ActuatorAssembly,” issued Jan. 17, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein.

Some versions of electrosurgical instruments that are operable to severtissue may be selectively used in at least two modes. One such mode mayinclude both severing tissue and coagulating tissue. Another such modemay include just coagulating tissue without also severing the tissue.Yet another mode may include the use of jaws to grasp and manipulatetissue without also coagulating and/or severing the tissue. When aninstrument includes grasping jaws and tissue severing capabilities, theinstrument may also include a feature that ensures full closure of thejaws before the tissue is severed and/or before the electrodes areactivated.

While various kinds of surgical instrument have been made and used, itis believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used theinvention described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly pointout and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technologywill be better understood from the following description of certainexamples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary electrosurgicalforceps instrument, where an end effector is in a closed position, wherea resilient arm is in a relaxed position;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1 in anopened position, where a translating knife is in a proximal position;

FIG. 3A depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the opened position,where the resilient arm is in the relaxed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in the proximal position;

FIG. 3B depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the closed position,where the resilient arm is in the relaxed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in the proximal position;

FIG. 3C depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the closed position,where the resilient arm is in a flexed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in the proximal position;

FIG. 3D depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the closed position,where the resilient arm is in the flexed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in a distal position;

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1,taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, where the translating knife of FIG. 2 isin the proximal position;

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1,taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, where the translating knife of FIG. 2 isin the distal position;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary electrosurgicalforceps instrument, where an end effector is in a closed position, andwhere a resilient arm is in a relaxed position;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 5 in anopen position;

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of instrument of FIG. 5having a latching assembly;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly ofthe instrument of FIG. 5, with certain portions omitted for clarity, andan arm portion of the latching assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a locking body of the latchingassembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 8,taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 5, where a firing assembly is in apre-fired position, where the latching assembly is in an unlatchedconfiguration;

FIG. 11A depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in the relaxed position, where thelatching assembly is in the unlatched configuration;

FIG. 11B depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in a flexed position, where thelatching assembly is in a first pre-latched configuration;

FIG. 11C depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in the flexed position, where thelatching assembly is in a second pre-latched configuration;

FIG. 11D depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in the flexed position, where thelatching assembly is in a latched configuration;

FIG. 11E depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in the flexed position, where thelatching assembly is in a first post-latched configuration;

FIG. 11F depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in the flexed position, where thelatching assembly is in a second post-latched configuration;

FIG. 11G depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in the flexed position, where thelatching assembly is in a third post-latched configuration;

FIG. 11H depicts an elevational side view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, with a portion of the handle assembly omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in the relaxed position, where thelatching assembly is returned to the unlatched configuration;

FIG. 12A depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 5, where the latchingassembly is in the latched configuration, where the firing assembly isin the pre-fired position; and

FIG. 12B depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handleassembly of FIG. 8, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 5, where the latchingassembly is in the latched configuration, where the firing assembly isin a fired position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the technology shouldnot be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects,embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description, which is by wayof illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out thetechnology. As will be realized, the technology described herein iscapable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departingfrom the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions shouldbe regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

I. Overview of Exemplary Electrosurgical Forceps

As previously noted, an electrosurgical instrument may include a set ofjaws, with at least one of the jaws being pivotable relative to theother jaw to selectively compress tissue between the jaws. Once thetissue is compressed, electrodes in the jaws may be activated withbipolar RF energy to seal the tissue. In some instances, a cuttingfeature is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws.For instance, the cutting feature may be actuated before or after the RFenergy has sealed the tissue. Various references that are cited hereinrelate to electrosurgical instruments where the jaws are part of an endeffector at the distal end of an elongate shaft, such that the endeffector and the shaft may be inserted through a port (e.g., a trocar)to reach a site within a patient during a minimally invasive endoscopicsurgical procedure. A handle assembly may be positioned at the proximalend of the shaft for manipulating the end effector. Such a handleassembly may have a pistol grip configuration or some otherconfiguration.

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide an electrosurgicalinstrument that does not have an elongate shaft or handle assemblysimilar to those described in the various references cited herein. Inparticular, it may be desirable to provide an electrosurgical instrumentthat is configured similar to a forceps device, with a scissor grip.Such instruments may be used in a variety of medical procedures. Variousexamples of electrosurgical shears/forceps devices are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 9,610,144, entitled “Electrosurgical Hand Shears,” filed Jan.29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Various other examples of electrosurgical forceps instruments will bedescribed in greater detail below; while other examples will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIGS. 1-4B show an exemplary electrosurgical forceps instrument (100).

Instrument (100) includes a handle assembly (130) extending distallyinto an end effector (110). As will be described in greater detailbelow, instrument (100) may be used to grasp, seal, and sever tissuecaptured by end effector (110).

End effector (110) includes a first jaw (112) having a first electrode(113), a second jaw (114) having a second electrode (115), and a knife(120) configured to translate through the first jaw (112) and the secondjaw (114). First jaw (112) and second jaw (114) are pivotably coupledwith each other via pivot pin (118). First jaw (112) and second jaw(114) may pivot between an open position (FIG. 2) and a closed position(FIG. 1) in order to grasp tissue. First and second electrodes (113,115) are positioned on respective jaws (112, 114) such that electrodes(113, 115) face each other when jaws (112, 114) are pivoted into theclosed position. Additionally, each electrode (113, 115) is U-shaped inthe present example, with the bend of the U-shape located near thedistal end of each respective jaw (112, 114), such that each electrode(113, 115) includes two longitudinally extending, laterally spaced-apartlegs extending along the length of each respective jaw (112, 114).Laterally spaced-apart legs of each electrode (113, 115) andcorresponding portions of jaws (112, 114) define an elongate slot (116).Elongate slot (116) is dimensioned to slidably receive knife (120) suchthat knife may translate from a proximal position (FIG. 4A) to a distalposition (FIG. 4B). Knife (120) includes a distal cutting edge (122)configured to sever tissue captured between jaws (112, 114) in theclosed position.

A cable (102) extends proximally from handle assembly (130). Cable (102)is coupled with a control unit (104), which is further coupled with apower source (106). Power source (106) may power control unit (104).Control unit (104) is operable to provide RF power to electrodes (113,115) of jaws (112, 114), to thereby seal tissue suitably capturedbetween jaws (112, 114).

Handle assembly (130) includes a housing (132), and a resilient arm(134).

Housing (132) contains an electrode activation assembly (140) and afiring assembly (150). Housing (132) and resilient arm (134) arepivotably coupled with each other via pivot pin (118). Housing (132)extends distally into first jaw (112), while resilient arm (134) extendsdistally into second jaw (114). Housing (132) defines a knife pathway(124) that slidably houses knife (120). Housing (132) includes a fingerring (136) while resilient arm (134) terminates proximally into a thumbring (138). Therefore, the operator may grasp instrument (100) in ascissor grip fashion and pivot resilient arm (134) relative to housing(132) via rings (136, 138) in order to open and close jaws (112, 114).

Resilient arm (134) is sufficiently resilient that arm (134) may flexfrom a relaxed position (FIG. 3B) to a flexed position (FIG. 3C) inresponse to pivoting arm (134) further toward housing (132) when jaws(112, 114) are already in the closed position. Resilient arm (134) isbiased toward the relaxed position. Further pivoting of resilient arm(134) into the flexed position may result in greater closure forcesbetween jaws (112, 114) as compared to pivoting jaws (112, 114) into theclosed position while arm (134) is in the relaxed position. Resilientarm (134) may be suitably resilient such that when resilient arm (134)is pivoted into the flexed position, the closure force between jaws(112, 114) is sufficient such that electrodes (113, 115) may properlyseal tissue grasped between jaws (112, 114). Additionally, the resilientnature of arm may limit the amount of closure force between jaws (112,114) such that jaws (112, 114) may not compress tissue too much,resulting in inadvertent tissue damage. When the operator no longerdesires to compress tissue between jaws (112, 114) to properly sealclamped tissue, the operator may reduce the amount of closure forceapplied to resilient arm (134) such that arm (134) returns to therelaxed state.

Housing (132) slidingly supports an RF trigger (142) of electrodeactivation assembly (140). RF trigger (142) is in communication withcontrol unit (104). RF trigger (142) may be pressed or actuated tocommand control unit (104) to supply RF energy to electrodes (113, 115)of end effector (110). RF trigger (142) may electrically couple withcontrol unit (104) through any suitable components known to a personhaving ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As will be described in greater detail below, firing assembly (150) isconfigured to actuate knife (120) within jaws (112, 114) from a proximalposition to a distal position in order to sever tissue captured betweenjaws (112, 114). Previous firing assemblies for electrosurgical forcepsmay have had a trigger that was a lever arm configured to rotaterelative to a handle assembly to actuate a knife. The lever arm may haveextended away from the handle assembly in order to provide a mechanicaladvantage for actuating knife within jaws (112, 114). However, whenlever arm extends away from handle assembly, it may become difficultrotate lever arm when instrument is flipped such that thumb ring becomesfinger rings and vice versa. In such instances when instrument isflipped, the lever arm may no longer associate with the index/middlefinger for actuating the lever arm.

Therefore, it may be desirable to have a compact firing assembly with atrigger close to the center of housing such that it is easy to actuatefiring assembly with the same finger(s), even when instrument isflipped. Firing assembly (150) of the current example includes a knifetrigger (152) slidably coupled with housing (132) via a slot (135).Trigger (152) is close to the center of housing (132) such that trigger(152) may be easily accessed regardless if instrument (100) is flippedaround. Trigger (152) may actuate relative to housing (132) in order toactuate a knife (120) of end effector (110). In particular, proximaltranslation of trigger (152) results in distal translation of knife(120), while distal translation of trigger (152) results in proximaltranslation of knife (120). Trigger (152) may be biased toward thedistal position such that knife (120) is biased toward the proximalposition.

Trigger (152) may be coupled with knife (120) through any suitablyfiring mechanism assembly as would be apparent to one having ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should beunderstood that trigger (152) may be selectively actuated at anysuitable time the operator desires. For instance, the operator may grasptissue by pivoting jaws (112, 114) to the closed position, wait adesired amount of time, and fire trigger (152) to actuate knife (120)and sever tissue. Alternative, the operator may grasp tissue by pivotingjaws (112, 114), release tissue if jaws (112, 114) are notsatisfactorily grasping tissue, re-grasp tissue, and then fire trigger(152) to actuate knife (120) and sever tissue.

FIGS. 3A-4B show an exemplary operation of instrument (100). FIG. 3Ashows jaws (112, 114) of end effector (110) in the opened position.Therefore, resilient arm (134) is pivoted away from housing (132). Asshown in FIG. 3B, when the operator desires to initially grasp andmanipulate tissue, the operator may pivot resilient arm (134) towardhousing (132) such that jaws (112, 114) are pivoted toward the closedposition while resilient arm (134) remains in the relaxed position. Withjaws (112, 114) pivoted toward the closed position, the operator maymanipulate tissue grasped by jaws (112, 114). It should be understoodthat the closure forces imparted on tissue by jaws (112, 114) at thispoint may not be sufficient enough for suitable sealing of tissue via RFenergy provided by electrodes (113, 115).

Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, if the operator desires to apply RF energy tograsped tissue, the operator may further pivot resilient arm (134)toward housing (132) such that resilient arm bends to the flexedposition. As this point, the closure forces imparted on tissue by jaws(112, 114) is sufficient for proper sealing. The operator may thenactuate RF trigger (142) such that electrodes (113, 115) provide RFenergy to grasped tissue. Next, as shown between FIGS. 3C-3D and 4A-4B,the operator may desire to sever tissue captured between jaws (112,114). Therefore, the operator may actuate trigger (152) proximally asshown between FIGS. 3C-3D such that knife (120) actuates distally asshown between FIGS. 4A-4B. Cutting edge (122) may sever tissue capturesbetween jaws (112, 114) as knife (120) actuates distally throughelongate slot (116).

While in the current example, the operator applies RF energy to graspedtissue and then subsequently severs the tissue, the operator mayalternatively sever grasped tissue first, then apply RF energy to thetissue as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art inaccordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the operator mayonly seal grasped tissue by applying RF energy, without severing thetissue, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art inaccordance with the teachings herein. Alternately, the operator may onlysever grasped tissue, without sealing the tissue, as would be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art in accordance with the teachingsherein. Alternatively, the operator may just grasp tissue, withoutsevering or sealing the tissue, as would be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art in accordance with the teachings herein.

II. Alternative Exemplary Electrosurgical Forceps with Two-Stage EnergyActivation

As mentioned above, resilient arm (134) may flex toward housing (132)when jaws (112, 114) are in the closed position to provide greaterclosure forces between jaws (112, 114). The closure forces provided byflexing resilient arm (134) may help activated electrodes (113, 115)properly seal tissue grasped between jaws (112, 114). During exemplaryuse, if the operator fails to generate enough closure force while jaws(112, 114) are in the closed position, electrodes (113, 115) may fail toproperly seal tissue grasped between jaws (112, 114). After long periodsof keeping resilient arm (134) in the flexed position, the operator maybe come fatigued. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a latchingassembly configured to selectively latch resilient arm (134) in theflexed position such that the operator may choose when the latchingassembly holds resilient arm (134) in the flexed position and when thelatching assembly releases resilient arm (134) toward the relaxedposition. Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a mechanism thatindicates when jaws (112, 114) provide a suitable closure force forsealing grasped tissue or prevents electrodes (113, 115) from activatingunless jaws (112, 114) provide a suitable closure force for sealinggrasped tissue.

In some instances, the operator may accidentally actuate knife trigger(152) proximally while jaws (112, 114) are open, inadvertently exposingdistal cutting edge (122) of knife (120) within slot (116). Therefore,it may be desirable to provide a mechanism that prevents actuation ofknife until jaws (112, 114) are sufficiently closed.

While various examples of RF activation assemblies are described below,it should be understood various combinations or modifications may bemade to such RF activation assemblies as would be apparent to one havingordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative exemplary electrosurgical forceps instrument(200) that may be used in replacement of instrument (100) describedabove. Therefore, as will be described in greater detail below,instrument (200) may be used to grasp, seal, and sever tissue.Instrument (200) includes an end effector (210), a handle assembly(230), an electrode activation assembly (240), a firing assembly (250),and a latching assembly (260). End effector (210) is substantiallysimilar to end effector (110) described above, with differenceselaborated below. End effector (210) includes a first jaw (212) having afirst electrode (213), a second jaw (214) having a second electrode(215), and a knife (220) configured to translate through the first jaw(212) and the second jaw (214).

First jaw (212) and second jaw (214) are pivotably coupled with eachother via pivot pin (218). First jaw (212) and second jaw (214) maypivot between an open position (FIG. 6) and a closed position (FIG. 5)in order to grasp tissue. First and second electrodes (213, 215) arepositioned on respective jaws (212, 214) such that electrodes (213, 215)face each other when jaws (212, 214) are pivoted into the closedposition. Additionally, each electrode (213, 215) is U-shaped in thepresent example, with the bend of the U-shape located near the distalend of each respective jaw (212, 214), such that each electrode (213,215) includes two longitudinally extending, laterally spaced-apart legsextending along the length of each respective jaw (212, 214). Laterallyspaced-apart legs of each electrode (213, 215) and correspondingportions of jaws (212, 214) define an elongate slot (216). Elongate slot(216) is dimensioned to slidably receive knife (220) such that knife maytranslate from a proximal position to a distal position, similar toknife (120) described above. As best shown in FIG. 7, knife (220)includes a distal cutting edge (222) configured to sever tissue capturedbetween jaws (212, 214) in the closed position.

A cable (202) extends proximally from handle assembly (230). Similar tocable (102) of instrument (100), cable (202) is configured to couplewith control unit (104), which is further coupled with a power source(106). Therefore, control unit (104) is operable to provide RF power toelectrodes (213, 215) of jaws (212, 214), to thereby seal tissuesuitably captured between jaws (212, 214).

Handle assembly (230) includes a housing (232) and a resilient arm(234). Housing (232) and resilient arm (234) are substantially similarto housing (122) and resilient arm (134) described above, withdifferences elaborated below. Housing (232) and resilient arm (234) arepivotably coupled with each other via pivot pin (218). Housing (232)extends distally into first jaw (212), while resilient arm (234) extendsdistally into second jaw (214). Housing defines a knife pathway (224)that slidably houses a portion of knife (220). Housing (232) includes afinger ring (236) while resilient arm (234) terminates proximally into athumb ring (238). Therefore, the operator may grasp instrument (200) ina scissor grip fashion and pivot resilient arm (234) relative to housing(232) via rings (236, 238) in order to open and close jaws (212, 214).Thumb ring (239) includes an arm portion (262) of latching assembly(260).

Resilient arm (234) is sufficiently resilient such that arm (234) mayflex from a relaxed position to a flexed position in response topivoting arm (234) further toward housing (232) when jaws (212, 214) arealready in the closed position (similar to resilient arm (134) shown inFIGS. 3B-3C). Resilient arm (234) is biased toward the relaxed position.Further pivoting of resilient arm (234) into the flexed position mayresult in greater closure forces between jaws (212, 214) as compared topivoting jaws (212, 214) into the closed position while arm (234) is inthe relaxed position. Resilient arm (234) may be suitably resilient suchthat when resilient arm (234) is pivoted into the flexed position, theclosure force between jaws (212, 214) is sufficient such that electrodes(213, 215) may properly seal tissue grasped between jaws (212, 214).Additionally, the resilient nature of arm (234) may limit the amount ofclosure force between jaws (212, 214) such that jaws (212, 214) may notcompress tissue too much, resulting in inadvertent tissue damage.

Housing (232) contains electrode activation assembly (240), firingassembly (250), and locking body (280) of latching assembly (260).Firing assembly (250) of the current example includes a knife trigger(251) slidably coupled with housing (232) via a slot (235). As will bedescribed in greater detail below, electrode activation assembly (240)is configured to selectively activate electrodes (213, 215); firingassembly (250) is configured to actuate knife (220) between the proximalposition and the distal position (Similar to knife (120) as shown inFIGS. 4A-4B) in response to proximal translation of knife trigger (251)within slot (235); and latching assembly (260) is configured toselectively latch resilient arm (234) in the flexed position. Latchingassembly (260) may also be configured to prevent actuation of knife(220) until specific conditions are satisfied. Additionally, latchingassembly (260) may be configured to indicate when jaws (212, 214) aresufficiently closed to suitably seal tissue, and/or prevent activationof electrodes (213, 215) until specific conditions are satisfied.

Electrode activation assembly (240) includes an RF trigger (242)slidably supported on each lateral side of housing (232), a sliding body(246) slidably contained within housing (232), a coupling block (244)fixed relative to sliding body (246), an activation button (248), and aclosure button (245). Coupling block (244) is configured to couple witheach RF trigger (242) when instrument (200) is assembled. A proximal endof sliding body (246) is directly adjacent to activation button (248)such that proximal translation of sliding body (246) triggers activationbutton (248). Therefore, the operator may press RF trigger (242)proximally in order to compress activation button (248). RF trigger(242), coupling block (244), and/or sliding body (246) may be biasedtoward a position such that activation button (238) is not activated.

Activation button (248) and closure button (245) are each containedwithin housing (232). Closure button (245) and activation button (248)are each in communication with a circuit board (208) via electricalcoupling wires (205); while circuit board (208) is also in communicationwith at least one electrode (213, 215) via electrical coupling wires(205). In the present example, circuit board (208) is contained withinhousing (232). Circuit board (208) is in communication with cable (202)such that circuit board (208) and control unit (104) are in electricalcommunication with each other. Therefore, circuit board (208) isconfigured to transfer RF energy from control unit (104) to electrodes(213, 215). As will be described in greater detail below, latchingassembly (260) is configured to depress closure button (245) when jaws(212, 214) are sufficiently closed to provide sufficient closure forceto properly seal tissue captured between electrodes (213, 215) using RFenergy.

In one example, activation button (248) and closure button (245) areconfigured to instruct circuit board (208) to transfer RF energy fromcontrol unit (104) to electrodes (213, 215) when buttons (245, 248) aredepressed. If only one, or neither, button (245, 248) is depressed,circuit board (208) will not transfer RF energy to electrodes (213,215), thereby leaving electrodes (213, 215) deactivated. Therefore, forexample, if the operator pressed RF trigger (242) without having closurebutton (245) depressed, electrodes (213, 215) will remain deactivated.Alternatively, closure button (245) may act as a switch for activationbutton (248) such that activation of closure button (245) completes acircuit between at least one electrode (213, 215) and activation button(248).

In another example, closure button (245) may only generate a signal tocircuit board (208), which may then send the signal to control unit(104), that jaws (212, 214) are sufficiently closed to providesufficient closure force to properly seal tissue captured betweenelectrodes (213, 215) using RF energy. Control unit (104) may thensignal to the operator (i.e. visually, audibly, or tactilely) that jaws(212, 214) are sufficiently closed. In such examples, activation button(248) may independently instruct circuit board (208) to transfer RFenergy from control unit (104) to electrodes (213, 215) when activationbutton (248) is depressed.

In another example, depression of either activation button (248) orclosure button (245) may be configured to activate electrodes (213,215), but activation of buttons (245, 248) may send a different signalto control unit (104), such that control unit produces a differentsignal (i.e. visually, audibly, or tactilely) indicating to a user whichbutton (245, 248) has been depressed.

In yet another example, activation button (248) may be omitted entirelysuch that pressing closure button (245) leads to activation ofelectrodes (213, 215).

Firing assembly (250) of the current example includes a knife trigger(251) slidably coupled with housing (232) via slot (235), an input rack(252), a rotary drive (254), a link (256), and an output body (258).Input rack (252) includes a lockout ledge (255). As will be described ingreater detail below, lockout ledge (255) is configured to preventproximal translation of input rack (252), which in turn prevents thefiring of knife (220), when latching assembly (260) does not latch jaws(212, 214) in the closed position with reselling arm (234) in the flexedposition in accordance with the description herein.

Input rack (252) is slidably contained within housing (232). Inparticular, input rack (252) is associated with knife trigger (251) suchthat movement of knife trigger (251) in one direction may lead tomovement of input rack (252) in the same direction. Rotary drive (254)is rotatably coupled with housing (232) such that rotary drive (254) mayrotate relative to housing (232), but rotary (254) may not translaterelative to housing (232). Output body (258) slidably housed withinhousing (232) via a pin (259). In particular, pin (259) is fixedrelative to output body (258), while a portion of pin (259) is slidablydisposed within a firing slot (257) defined by the interior of housing(232). Additionally, output body (258) is associated with knife (220)such that movement of output body (258) drives movement of knife (220).Link (256) is pivotably coupled to both rotary drive (254) as well asoutput body (258).

Input rack (252) meshes with a portion of rotary drive (254) such thattranslation of input rack (252) causes rotation of rotary drive (254).FIG. 12A shows firing assembly (250) in a position associated with knife(220) being in the pre-fired position. If the operator desires to fireknife (220) through jaws (212, 214) while jaws (212, 214) are in theclosed position in accordance with the description herein, the operatormay proximally drive knife trigger (251) such that input rack (252) isalso driven proximally. As shown in FIG. 8B, input rack (252) may rotaterotary drive (254) in a first angular direction, causing rotary drive(254) to rotate link (256) relative to both rotary drive (254) andoutput body (258). Because output body (258) is slidably constrained ina linear direction via pin (259) and firing slot (257), rotation of link(256) relative to rotary drive (254) actuates output body (258) andknife (220) distally such that knife (220) actuates distally within jaws(212, 214) toward the fired position. In other words, proximallytranslation of knife trigger (251) is configured to distally fire knife(220). Knife trigger (251) or input rack (252) may be biased toward thedistal position shown in FIG. 12A such that after the operator actuatesknife trigger (251) proximally to fire knife (220), the operator may letgo of knife trigger (251) such that input rack (252) rotates rotarydrive (254) in the second, opposite, angular direction, thereby drivingoutput body (258) and knife (220) proximally into the pre-firedposition. results in distal translation of knife (220).

While firing assembly (250) of the current example includes a rack,pinion, and link configuration, any suitable firing assembly may be usedin replacement of firing assembly (250) described above that would beapparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein.

As mentioned above, and as will be described in greater detail below,latching assembly (260) is configured to selectively latch resilient arm(234) in the flexed position. Latching assembly (260) may also beconfigured to prevent actuation of knife (220) until specific conditionsare satisfied. Additionally, latching assembly (260) may be configuredto depress closure button (245) when latching resilient arm (234) in theflexed position such that closure button (245) operates in accordancewith the description herein.

Latching assembly (260) includes arm portion (262) and locking body(280). As best seen in FIG. 8, arm portion (262) includes a downwardprotrusion (264) extending from thumb ring (238). Downward protrusion(264) defines a gap such that as resilient arm (234) is flexed, downwardprotrusion (264) does not interfere with input rack (252) of firingassembly (250). On each lateral side, downward protrusion (264) includesa laterally presented protrusion (270) and a nub (274). Each laterallypresented protrusion (270) includes a first cam surface (272), a secondcam surface (276), and a third cam surface (278). Additionally,laterally presented protrusions (270) and respective nubs (274) define arecessed path (266) and a latch pocket (275).

Housing (232) defines a pivot hole (265), and a guided path (268).Guided path (268) houses two bias members (263). Pivot hole (265) isdimensioned to receive a pivot pin (286) of locking body (280) such thatlocking body (280) is pivotably connected to housing (232). As best seenin FIG. 10, guided path (268) is dimensioned to house a biasingprojection (284) of locking body (280) such that as locking body (280)pivots relative to housing (232), biasing projection (284) actuatedwithin guided path (268). Additionally, biasing projection (284) isconfigured to abut against both bias members (263) such that biasmembers (263) resiliently bias locking body (280) to a first position(as shown in FIGS. 10-11A). While in the current example, biasingmembers (263) are springs, any other suitably biasing member may beutilized as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art inview of the teachings herein.

As best seen in FIG. 9, locking body (280) includes a base member (282),biasing projection (284), pivot pin (286), a lockout ledge (288), a pairof arms (290), and a respective catch projection extending laterallyinward from each arm (290). Pivot pin (286) and biasing projection (284)extend laterally from base member (282). As mentioned above, pivot pin(286) pivotably couples locking body (280) with housing (232), whilebiasing projection (284) abuts against biasing members (263) to biaslocking body (280) toward a first position. Additionally, lockout ledge(288) extends laterally across the top of base member (282), while anarm (290) extends upwardly from lockout ledge (288). Arms (290) andlockout ledge (288) define a U-shaped gap dimensioned to receive inputrack (252) of firing assembly (250) and downward protrusion (264).

As will be describe in greater detail below, cam surfaces (272, 276,278) of laterally presented protrusion (270) and nub (274) areconfigured to selectively contact a respective catch protrusion (292) oflocking body (280) such that flexing of resilient arm (234) moveslocking body (280) between an un-latched configuration and a latchedconfiguration. As will be described in greater detail below (280), basemember (282) is configured to depress closure button (245) when latchingassembly (260) latches resilient arm (234) in the flexed position. Aswill also be described in greater detail below, lockout ledge (288) isconfigured to prevent firing of firing assembly (250) while latchingassembly (260) is in the un-latched position; while allowing firing offiring assembly (250) while latching assembly (260) is in the latchedposition.

FIGS. 11A-11H show an exemplary use of latching assembly (260) in orderto latch and un-latch resilient arm (234) in the flexed position suchthat jaws (212, 214) are sufficiently closed to suitably seal tissue. Aswill be described in greater detail below, the operator may latchresilient arm (234) in the flexed position by pressing thumb ring (238)toward housing (232) whiles jaws (212, 214) are already in the closedposition; while the operator may further unlatch resilient arm (234) toby again pressing thumb ring (238) toward housing while latchingassembly (260) is in the latched configuration.

First, as shown in FIG. 11A, resilient arm (234) is pivoted relative tohousing (232) such that resilient arm (234) is in the relaxed positionwhile jaws (212, 214) are in the closed position. With jaws (212, 214)in the closed position, tissue may be grasped between the confines ofjaws (212, 214). At this point, biasing members (263) abut againstbiasing projection (284) to keep locking body (280) in the firstposition. With resilient arm (234) in the relaxed position, the closureforces may not be suitable for sealing tissue between jaws (212, 214).Therefore, base member (282) does not depress closure button (245) ofactivation assembly such that closure button (245) is not activated.Lockout ledge (288) is adjacent to lockout ledge (255) of input rack(252) such that if the operator attempted to proximally actuate knifetrigger (251) to fire knife (220) distally, lockout ledges (255, 288)may abut against each other to help prevent firing of knife (220).

When the operator desires to latch resilient arm (234) in the flexedposition, such as for sealing tissue via electrodes (213, 215) with asuitable closure force provided by jaws (212, 214), the operator mayfurther pivot thumb ring (238) toward housing (232). FIG. 11B shows theoperator initially actuating thumb ring (238) toward housing (232),thereby flexing resilient arm (234). Initial flexing of resilient arm(234) from the unlatched position toward the latched position causesfirst cam surface (272) to abut against catch protrusion (292). As thumbring (238) actuates downward, contact between first cam surface (272)and catch protrusion (292) overcomes the biasing force provided bybiasing members (263) such that locking body (280) pivots in a firstangular direction. As best seen between FIGS. 11B-11C, further downwardactuation of thumb ring (238) causes first cam surface (272) to losecontact with catch protrusion (292) such that biasing members (263) pushbiasing projection (284) in the second angular direction to rotatelocking body (280) back toward the first, biased, position. However,catch protrusions (292) travel within recessed path (266) such thatprotrusions (292) make contact with nub (274) before locking body (280)reaches the first, biased, position. At this moment, contact betweenprotrusions (292) and nub (274) may prevent further downward actuationof thumb ring (238). It should be understood that at the moment shown inFIG. 11C, the operator is applying the force to keep resilient arm inthe flexed position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11D, the operator may release or otherwise reducethe amount of downward force on thumb ring (238), such that theresilient nature of arm (234) causes thumb thing (238) and arm portion(262) of latch assembly (260) to actuate away from housing (232). Witharm portion (262) actuating away from housing (232), nub (274) no longermakes contact with protrusions (292), thereby allowing biasing members(263) to actuate biasing projection (284) and locking body (280) in thesecond angular direction until catch protrusions (292) rest within latchpocket (275). When catch protrusions (292) rest within the latch pocket(275), latch assembly (260) is in the latched configuration. It shouldbe understood that at this point, resilient arm (234) is in the flexedposition such that jaws (212, 214) are sufficiently closed to suitablyseal tissue. With protrusions (292) resting within latch pocket (275),contact between catch protrusions (292) of lock body (280) andprotrusions (270) of arm portion (262) prevent any further movement ofthumb ring (238) away from housing (232), effectively latching resilientarm (234) in the flexed position. In the latched position shown in FIG.11D, the operator may no longer need to press down on thumb ring (238)or other portions of resilient arm (234) in order to keep resilient arm(234) in the flexed position. In other words, when latch assembly (260)is in the latched configuration, resilient arm (234) may remain in theflexed position without assistance from the operator such that jaws(212, 214) provide a suitable closure force for adequately sealingtissue.

Regarding activation assembly (240), base member (282) depresses closurebutton (245) when latch assembly (260) is in the latched configurationsuch that closure button (245) is activated. With closure button (245)activated, electrode activation assembly (240) may operate as describedin accordance with any of the descriptions herein. Additionally, oralternatively, depressing closure button (245) may allow closure button(245) to indicate that latching assembly (260) is in the latchedconfiguration. For instance, closure button (245) may generate a signalto control unit (104) such that control unit (104) may indicate to theoperator that latching assembly (260) is successfully in the latchedconfiguration.

Regarding firing assembly (250) lockout ledge (288) of locking body(280) is bellow lockout ledge (255) of input rack (252) when latchassembly (260) in the latched configuration. Therefore, lockout ledge(288) of locking body (280) no longer interferes with proximaltranslation of lockout ledge (255) of input rack (252). In other words,with latch assembly (260) in the latched configuration, the operator mayactuate firing assembly (250) to actuate knife (220) between thepre-fired and fired positions.

When the operator decides to unlatch latching assembly (260) such thatresilient arm (234) may resiliently return to the relaxed position, theoperator may push thumb ring (238) toward housing (232). As shown inFIG. 11E, when the operator initially pushes thumb ring (238) towardhousing (232) while latching assembly (260) is in the latched position,biasing members (263) may push biasing projection (284) in the secondangular direction such that catch protrusions (292) stay in contact withsecond camming surface (276). In other words, as thumb ring (238)actuates toward housing (232) to unlatch latching assembly (260), catchprotrusions (292) ride along second camming surface (276).

As shown in FIG. 11F, the operator may further thumb ring (238) towardhousing (232) until catch protrusions (292) are no longer in contactwith second cam surface (276). At this moment, catch protrusions (292)are no longer in contact with any element of arm portion (262).Therefore, biasing members (263) actuate biasing projection (284) andthe rest of locking body (280) into the first, biased, position.However, resilient arm (234) is still in the flexed position such thatprotrusion (270) is underneath catch projection (292). Therefore, itshould be understood that at the moment shown in FIG. 11F, the operatoris holding resilient arm (234) in the flexed position. As best shownbetween FIGS. 11F-11H, if the operator releases resilient arm (234) orotherwise reduces the force holding resilient arm (234) in the flexedposition, the resilient nature will bend arm (234) back into the relaxedposition. As resilient arm (234) returns to the flexed position betweenFIGS. 11F-11H, catch protrusions (292) will contact third cam surface(278), which in turn drives locking body (280) in the second angulardirection.

Once resilient arm (234) completely returns to the relaxed positionwhile jaws (212, 214) are still in the closed position, catch protrusion(292) of locking body (280) will no longer be in contact with third camsurface (278) such that arm portion (262) of latch assembly (260)returns to the unlatched configuration. Biasing member (263) returnslocking body (280) to the first position while arm portion (262) isplaced above catch protrusion (292) such that first cam surface (272) isadjacent to catch protrusion (292). In the unlatched configuration, theoperator may further open jaws (212, 214) by pivoting resilient arm(234) away from housing (232); or the operator may re-latch resilientarm (234) in accordance with the description above.

III. Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein the endeffector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jaw pivotably coupledwith the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to move betweenan open position and a closed position, (iii) a knife configured toactuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position, and (iv) anelectrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue; (b) a handleassembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) a housingassociated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated with thesecond jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position; and (c) a latchassembly configured to transition between an unlatched configuration anda latched configuration, wherein the latch assembly is configured toprevent the arm from pivoting the second jaw from the closed positiontoward the open position in the latched configuration, wherein the latchassembly is configured to allow the arm to pivot the second jaw from theclosed position toward the open position in the unlatched configuration.

Example 2

The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the latch assemblycomprises a lockout ledge, wherein the lockout ledge is configured toprevent distal actuation of the knife while the latch assembly is in theunlatched configuration, wherein the lockout ledge is configured toallow distal actuation of the knife while the latch assembly is in thelatched configuration.

Example 3

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 2,further comprising a closure button, wherein the closure button isconfigured to generate a signal in response in response to the latchassembly transitioning into the latched configuration.

Example 4

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through 3,wherein the arm comprises a resilient member, wherein the resilientmember is configured to transition between a relaxed configuration and aflexed configuration while the second jaw is in the closedconfiguration.

Example 5

The surgical instrument of Example 4, wherein the resilient member isconfigured to be in the flexed configuration while the latched assemblyis in the latched configuration.

Example 6

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 5,wherein the latch assembly comprises an arm portion associated with thearm, wherein the arm portion includes a projection.

Example 7

The surgical instrument of Example 6, wherein the latch assemblycomprises a locking body, wherein the locking body is pivotably coupledwith the housing.

Example 8

The surgical instrument of Example 7, wherein the projection isconfigured to pivot the locking body as the arm pivots toward thehousing.

Example 9

The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the projection defines alatch pocket.

Example 10

The surgical instrument of Example 9, wherein the latch pocket isdimensioned to house a portion of the locking body while the latchassembly is in the latched configuration.

Example 11

The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the locking body isbiased to an upward position.

Example 12

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 11,wherein the arm is configured to transition the latch assembly betweenthe latched configuration and the unlatched configuration.

Example 13

The surgical instrument of Example 12, wherein the arm is configured toactuate toward the housing in order to transition the latch assemblybetween the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration.

Example 14

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 13,wherein the arm further comprises a thumb ring, wherein a portion of thelatch assembly is coupled the thumb ring.

Example 15

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 14,further comprising an electrode activation assembly comprising atrigger, wherein the trigger is configured to activate the electrodeassembly.

Example 16

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein the endeffector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jaw pivotably coupledwith the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to move betweenan open position and a closed position, (iii) a knife configured toactuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position, and (iv) anelectrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue; (b) a handleassembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) a housingassociated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated with thesecond jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein the arm isconfigured to pivot relative to the housing; and (c) a latching assemblycomprising: (i) a locking body pivotably coupled with the housing, and(ii) a camming body associated with the arm, wherein the camming body isconfigured to pivot the locking body in response to actuating the armrelative to the housing in order transition the latching assemblybetween an unlatched configuration and a latched configuration, whereinthe latching assembly is configured to prevent the arm from pivoting thesecond jaw from the closed position to the open position in the latchedconfiguration.

Example 17

The surgical instrument of Example 16, herein the locking body comprisesa catch protrusion, wherein camming body defines a latch pocketdimensioned to house the catch protrusion in the latched configuration.

Example 18

The surgical instrument any one or more of Examples 16 through 17,herein the locking body comprises a lockout surface configured toprevent distal actuation of the knife while the latching assembly is inthe unlatched configuration.

Example 19

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 16 through 18,wherein the locking body is biased to an upward position.

Example 20

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein the endeffector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jaw pivotably coupledwith the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to move betweenan open position and a closed position, (iii) a knife configured toactuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position, and (iv) anelectrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue; and (b) ahandle assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) a housingassociated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated with thesecond jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein the arm isconfigured to pivot relative to the housing between a first position, asecond position, and a third position, wherein the second jaw isconfigured to be in the open position while the arm is in the firstposition, wherein the second jaw is configured to be in the closedposition while the arm is in the second position and the third position;and (c) a latching assembly configured to transition between anunlatched configuration and a latched configuration, wherein thelatching assembly is configured to prevent the arm from pivoting thesecond jaw from the closed position to the open position in the latchedconfiguration, wherein the latching assembly is configured to transitionbetween the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration inresponse to the arm actuating between the second position and the thirdposition.

IV. Miscellaneous

It should also be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

Further, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments,examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more ofthe teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described inU.S. application Ser. No. 15/989,424, entitled “Method and Apparatus forOpen Electrosurgical Shears,” filed on May 25, 2018, published as U.S.Pub. No. 2019/0357962 on Nov. 28, 2019; U.S. application Ser. No.15/989,430, entitled “Electrosurgical Shears with Knife Lock andClamp-Actuated Switch,” filed on May 25, 2018issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,966,781 on Apr. 6, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/989,433,entitled “Knife Drive Assembly for Electrosurgical Shears,” filed on May25, 2018, published as U.S. Pat. No. 2019/0357963 on Nov. 28, 2019; U.S.application Ser. No. 15/989,438, entitled “Knife Auto-Return Assemblyfor Electrosurgical Shears,” filed on May 25, 2018 issued as U.S. Pat.No. 10,898,259 on Jan. 25, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/989,422,entitled “Compound Screw Knife Drive for Electrosurgical Shears,” filedon May 25, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,856,931 Dec. 8, 2020; U.S.application Ser. No. 15/989,488, entitled “Firing and Lockout Assemblyfor Knife for Electrosurgical Shears,” filed on May 25, 2018 publishedas U.S. Pub. No. 2019/0357966 on Nov. 28, 2019; and U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/989,452, entitled “Dual Stage Energy Activation forElectrosurgical Shears,” filed on May 25, 2018published as U.S. Pub. No.2019/035767 on Nov. 28, 2019. The disclosure of each of theseapplications is incorporated by reference herein.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

I claim:
 1. A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector,wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jawpivotably coupled with the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operableto move between an open position and a closed position, (iii) a knifeconfigured to actuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position,and (iv) an electrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue;(b) a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) ahousing associated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated withthe second jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position; and (c) a latchassembly configured to transition between an unlatched configuration anda latched configuration, wherein the latch assembly is configured toprevent the arm from pivoting the second jaw from the closed positiontoward the open position in the latched configuration, wherein the latchassembly is configured to allow the arm to pivot the second jaw from theclosed position toward the open position in the unlatched configuration,wherein the latch assembly comprises a lockout ledge pivotable relativeto the housing and the arm, wherein the lockout ledge is configured toinhibit distal actuation of the knife while the latch assembly is in theunlatched configuration, wherein the lockout ledge is configured toallow distal actuation of the knife while the latch assembly is in thelatched configuration.
 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, furthercomprising a closure button, wherein the closure button is configured togenerate a signal in response to the latch assembly transitioning intothe latched configuration.
 3. The surgical instrument of claim 1,wherein the arm comprises a resilient member, wherein the resilientmember is configured to transition between a relaxed configuration and aflexed configuration while the second jaw is in the closed position. 4.The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the resilient member isconfigured to be in the flexed configuration while the latched assemblyis in the latched configuration.
 5. The surgical instrument of claim 1,wherein the latch assembly comprises an arm portion associated with thearm, wherein the arm portion includes a projection.
 6. The surgicalinstrument of claim 5, wherein the latch assembly comprises a lockingbody, wherein the locking body is pivotably coupled with the housing. 7.The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein the projection is configuredto pivot the locking body as the arm pivots toward the housing.
 8. Thesurgical instrument of claim 7, wherein the projection defines a latchpocket.
 9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the latch pocketis dimensioned to house a portion of the locking body while the latchassembly is in the latched configuration.
 10. The surgical instrument ofclaim 9, wherein the locking body is biased to an upward position. 11.The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the arm is configured totransition the latch assembly between the latched configuration and theunlatched configuration.
 12. The surgical instrument of claim 11,wherein the arm is configured to actuate toward the housing in order totransition the latch assembly between the latched configuration and theunlatched configuration.
 13. The surgical instrument of claim 1, whereinthe arm further comprises a thumb ring, wherein a portion of the latchassembly is coupled the thumb ring.
 14. The surgical instrument of claim1, further comprising an electrode activation assembly comprising atrigger, wherein the trigger is configured to activate the electrodeassembly.
 15. A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector,wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jawpivotably coupled with the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operableto move between an open position and a closed position, (iii) a knifeconfigured to actuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position,and (iv) an electrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue;(b) a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) ahousing associated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated withthe second jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein the arm isconfigured to pivot relative to the housing; and (c) a latching assemblycomprising: (i) a locking body pivotably coupled with the housing,wherein the locking body comprises a lockout surface, and (ii) a cammingbody associated with the arm, wherein the camming body is configured topivot the locking body relative to the housing and the arm in responseto actuating the arm relative to the housing in order transition thelatching assembly between an unlatched configuration and a latchedconfiguration, wherein the latching assembly is configured to preventthe arm from pivoting the second jaw from the closed position to theopen position in the latched configuration, wherein the locking surfaceof the locking body is configured to inhibit distal actuation of theknife while the latching assembly is in the unlatched configuration. 16.The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the locking body comprisesa catch protrusion, wherein camming body defines a latch pocketdimensioned to house the catch protrusion in the latched configuration.17. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the locking body isbiased to an upward position.
 18. A surgical instrument comprising: (a)an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a first jaw,(ii) a second jaw pivotably coupled with the first jaw, wherein thesecond jaw is operable to move between an open position and a closedposition, (iii) a knife configured to actuate between a pre-firedposition and a fired position, and (iv) an electrode assembly configuredto apply RF energy to tissue; and (b) a handle assembly, wherein thehandle assembly comprises: (i) a housing associated with the first jaw,and (ii) an arm associated with the second jaw, wherein the arm isconfigured to pivot the second jaw between the open position and theclosed position, wherein the arm is configured to pivot relative to thehousing between a first position, a second position, and a thirdposition, wherein the second jaw is configured to be in the openposition while the arm is in the first position, wherein the second jawis configured to be in the closed position while the arm is in thesecond position and the third position; and (c) a latching assemblyconfigured to transition between an unlatched configuration and alatched configuration, wherein the latching assembly is configured toinhibit the arm from pivoting the second jaw from the closed position tothe open position in the latched configuration, wherein the latchingassembly is configured to transition between the latched configurationand the unlatched configuration in response to the arm actuating betweenthe second position and the third position, wherein the latchingassembly comprises a locking body configured to rotate relative to thehousing and the arm as the latching assembly transitions between thelatched configuration and the unlatched configuration, wherein thelocking body is configured to inhibit distal translation of the knife inthe unlatched configuration.